Fox News Hourly Update – 5PM ET 01/12/2026
Main Theme: This episode provides a rapid-fire rundown of national legal battles, political controversy over immigration enforcement, military rights, Supreme Court actions, cultural inclusion news, and the latest financial market records.
1. Minnesota Sues DHS Over Immigration Enforcement
- Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison has sued the head of Homeland Security to halt what state officials claim is an excessively forceful federal immigration crackdown.
- Key Quote:
"The deployment of thousands of armed mass DHS agents to Minnesota has done our state serious harm. This is in essence a federal invasion of the Twin Cities and Minnesota and it must stop."
— Keith Ellison (00:11) - The tipping point: An ICE agent shot and killed a woman, later justified as self-defense by authorities.
- DHS response:
"He followed his training. He was in fear for his life."
— DHS Assistant Secretary Trisha McLaughlin (Paraphrased by Lisa Brady, 00:24) - The White House argues protesters are obstructing lawful operations.
- Illinois has launched a similar lawsuit, alleging "dangerous use of force" by Homeland Security.
- Key Quote:
- Tension in Congress: A brewing appropriations fight as some Democrats suggest blocking DHS funding, risking another government shutdown.
2. Congressional Spending Showdown
- Funding Crisis Looms:
Congress must pass 12 bills, including Homeland Security funding, by end of January. - Democratic Division:
- Some push for extreme measures (including a possible shutdown) to protest DHS actions.
- Senator Mark Warner's stance:
“He doesn’t want to see a repeat of last November’s longest shutdown in history.”
— Ryan Schmelz reporting (00:57)
- Takeaway: Partisan divides on immigration are now directly tied to major federal funding decisions.
3. Mark Kelly’s Lawsuit Against the Pentagon
- Arizona Senator and Navy veteran Mark Kelly sues the Pentagon, alleging his rights were violated in retaliation for a political video.
- The video: Urged service members not to obey illegal orders.
- War Secretary Pete Hegseth censured Kelly, which could impact his military rank and retirement pay.
- Kelly’s Argument:
“Just because he or another secretary of defense or a president doesn’t like what they’ve said.”
— Mark Kelly (01:37)
- Key Issue: The segment highlights free speech rights of veterans versus military discipline.
4. Supreme Court Updates
A. Boy Scouts of America Bankruptcy Plan (02:15)
- The Supreme Court declined to hear an appeal challenging a $2.5 billion compensation plan for sexual assault victims.
- Only a small group of survivors objected to the deal.
- The bankruptcy plan, approved in 2022, allows ongoing Scouts operations while addressing abuse claims.
- The appeals court’s decision upholding the plan stands.
- Reporter: Grinal Scott
B. Transgender Athlete Bans (03:00)
- The Supreme Court will hear arguments on state bans against transgender athletes in girls/women’s sports (cases from Idaho and West Virginia).
- Pro-ban argument:
“Idaho and West Virginia passed common sense laws that delineate the athletic playing fields... between the sexes.”
— West Virginia Attorney General J.B. McCuskey (03:10) - Opposition: Critics argue it is discriminatory, and lower courts have struck down some bans for students K–college.
- Pro-ban argument:
5. Mattel’s First Autistic Barbie (03:31)
- Mattel debuts an autistic Barbie, made in partnership with the Autistic Self Advocacy Network.
- Features: shifted eye gaze, noise-canceling headphones, fidget spinner.
- Reception is mixed:
- Praise for inclusion.
- Some critique:
“Being autistic is not how you look, it’s who you are.”
— Social media commentary (03:45)
- The doll joins the Barbie Fashionistas collection, spotlighting diversity and disability representation.
- Reporter: Lillian Wu
6. Market Update (04:04)
- Dow Jones: Up 86 points, new record close at $49,590.
- S&P 500: Also hits new highs.
- Anchor: Lisa Brady
Memorable Quotes
- “The deployment of thousands of armed mass DHS agents to Minnesota has done our state serious harm. This is in essence a federal invasion... it must stop.” — Minnesota AG Keith Ellison (00:11)
- “He followed his training. He was in fear for his life.” — DHS Asst. Secretary McLaughlin (00:24, via anchor)
- “Just because he or another secretary of defense or a president doesn’t like what they’ve said.” — Sen. Mark Kelly (01:37)
- “Being autistic is not how you look, it’s who you are.” — Social media response (03:45)
- “Congress has until the end of January to pass 12 appropriations bills to fund the government. One of them funds the Department of Homeland Security...” — Ryan Schmelz (00:57)
Timestamps for Key Segments
- Minnesota sues DHS over immigration enforcement: 00:03–00:57
- Congressional spending/gov’t shutdown threat: 00:57–01:21
- Mark Kelly vs Pentagon lawsuit: 01:21–01:44
- Boy Scouts bankruptcy/Supreme Court: 02:15–03:00
- Transgender athlete sports bans: 03:00–03:31
- Autistic Barbie launch: 03:31–04:04
- Financial markets update: 04:04–end
Summary Tone:
Objective, brisk, with a focus on urgent political, legal, and cultural developments—standard for Fox News hourly bulletins. The episode moves quickly from national crises to lawsuits, Supreme Court news, pop culture, and markets, highlighting the fast-shifting landscape of American public life.
